Seven people were arrested Thursday in a five-hour undercover shoplifting operation at the Santa Rosa Marketplace, the Press Democrat reported, citing Santa Rosa police.
How it worked
- Inside the stores: Plainclothes investigators worked with loss-prevention staff at businesses in the 1900 block of Santa Rosa Avenue to spot thefts in progress.
- Outside: Uniformed officers stopped suspects after they left the stores, police said, according to Bay City News via SFGATE.
- Who took part: The Santa Rosa Police Department's Property Crimes Investigation Team, patrol officers and investigators from the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office.
The arrests
Six people, ages 28 to 34, were booked into the Sonoma County jail on suspicion of shoplifting or petty theft, some also on suspicion of violating court orders or possessing illegal drugs. A seventh person, 45, was cited and released, the Press Democrat reported. Police said all seven were from Santa Rosa.
At least two other people dropped merchandise inside stores after noticing police and were released with warnings. All stolen goods were recovered and returned. Police said repeat offenders account for a disproportionate share of retail theft, and more charges could be filed.